Implementation of construction projects in the country are expected to accelerate with the signing of an inter-agency memorandum, which is expected to speed up processes and permitting for construction activities.

On Tuesday, various government agencies led by the Anti Red Tape Authority (ARTA) signed virtually a Joint Memorandum Circular on the Amended JMC No. 1, s. 2018 “Guidelines in the Processing of Construction-Related Permits”.

“ Indeed, Rome wasn’t built in a day but with the signing of this Joint Memorandum Circular that streamlined the processing of construction permits, the building of our country will certainly be faster. And, as I always say, the train of reform against red tape is now moving. Anyone who blocks it will surely be run over,” said ARTA Director General Jeremiah Belgica at the virtual signing ceremony.

Belgica believes that the importance of the signing of the amended JMC cannot be overstated because of the Build, Build, Build projects of the government. But he also pointed out that what makes a great project for the people great is not only measured by the grandeur of the plan and its execution but also the speed by which it is achieved. “But let me also say that we do not only need to have a quick infrastructure building system but more so we need a quicker infrastructure rebuilding process,” he said.

This is especially so for a tropical country like the Philippines, which is constantly bombarded by challenges given by nature. That is why, he said, the government is constantly developing and implementing public policy reforms that shorten and lower the cost of obtaining building permits while also improving construction quality standards.

“This is an effort to improve the transparency of building permits and to ensure that adequate building quality controls are in place,” he said citing infrastructure development as really essential to the country's economic growth. Infrastructure, he pointed out, helps alleviate poverty and improve livelihoods by facilitating access to essential services, the establishment of private enterprises, and the creation of jobs.

“Stagnant construction projects are a sure sign of economic distress, whereas a thriving construction industry indicates a booming economy,” he added.

The JMC for the Processing of Construction-Related Permits certainly promotes ease of doing business by streamlining government processes through standardizing the processing of building permit applications and certificates of occupancy, reducing steps and processing time in securing permits.

Furthermore, it includes a provision for the establishment of one-stop shops in each city and municipality, which adds to the convenience of the stakeholders.

According to Belgica, that is what ARTA has always been striving for: efficient and quality government service delivery.

He stressed that it has always been our intention to make it easier to deal with the government by removing unnecessary steps and requirements that have long burdened the public. “We are delighted that the government's processes are gradually becoming more efficient,” he said.